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William ("Bill") A. Norfolk, age 92, passed away on Sunday, October 13, 2019 at St. James Place in Baton Rouge. Bill was one of five children born to the late Josephine and Robert Norfolk of Alexandria, Virginia. Bill was married for 61 years to the late Neveda "Veda" Brooks Norfolk, a longtime resident of Baton Rouge. He is survived by four children, Veda Lynn Norfolk Kober, wife of the late Richard David Kober, of Baton Rouge, Claire Brooks Norfolk of Baton Rouge, William ("Billy") Norfolk, Jr. and wife Lisa Norfolk of Clear Lake, Texas, and Nancy Norfolk Nevils and husband Timothy Nevils, Jr. of Lynnfield, Massachusetts. He also is survived by 8 grandchildren, Ashley and Stephen Kober, Camille Wheeler, William and Jackson Norfolk, and Kelley, Katie and Megan Nevils. Bill's early years were colorful, including being so invested in fighting for his country in World War II that he changed his birthdate on his birth certificate in an effort to enlist early in the US Navy. The Navy was on to Bill, so instead he enlisted in the Virginia State Guard at age 16. Bill eventually did enlist in the Navy in 1945. He was stationed in Puerto Rico where he survived having his plane shot down by friendly fire during a training exercise. After his stint in the Navy, Bill enrolled at the University of Miami (FL), where he graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration. While in college, Bill met and married Veda. After graduation, Bill and Veda moved to Texas where Bill worked in the human resources department at Ethyl Corporation. Bill later had the opportunity to attend law school, so Bill, Veda and their three children moved to Baton Rouge, where Bill enrolled at Louisiana State University. Bill graduated with a Bachelor of Laws in 1961 and immediately began practicing at Taylor, Porter, Brooks and Phillips. Bill practiced law at Taylor Porter for over fifty years, where he had been a Partner and more recently was Of Counsel. He was a longtime member of the Baton Rouge and Louisiana State Bar Associations and the Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel. While Bill was recognized in the early 1980s as one of the best labor and employment lawyers in America, Bill was more proud of the second family he had with his fellow labor and employment law attorneys and support staff at Taylor Porter. Bill enjoyed mentoring younger attorneys, which ultimately benefitted him, too, as he developed a close bond with a number of them. Over the years, the labor and employment group invited him to play in golf tournaments, always arranged a birthday celebration for him, and one very special colleague was known to sometimes help him shop after Veda died. Bill's children want to acknowledge how important and special these individuals were to him and to thank them for treating our dad like he was their own. Bill was a man of many interests including playing tennis, doing crossword puzzles, hunting, fishing, cooking, snow skiing, reading and painting. Bill played tennis virtually every week until just recently. He enjoyed watching tennis as well and was fortunate enough to have traveled to watch Wimbledon, the French Open, and the Australian Open. Bill also appreciated his time with his children, but especially his grandchildren, during ski and beach vacations. Family and friends are invited to a visitation at Rabenhorst Funeral Home at 825 Government Street on Friday, October 18 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. and Saturday, October 19 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. The Rev. Christopher Duncan of St. James Episcopal Church will conduct a service at Rabenhorst Funeral Home on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. The family thanks the staff at St. James Place and Hospice of Baton Rouge for their thoughtful care of Bill. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. James Place, Hospice of Baton Rouge, or a charity of choice.
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Lynn, I am sorry to learn of your father's passing. I remember him fondly when I worked at Norfolk Tours with your mom. Sending my deepest condolences to you and your family.
Nancy Richard
October 19, 2019
So sorry to hear about Uncle Bill's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Love,
Karen Stallard
Karen Barry
October 18, 2019
Jacqueline Nevils
October 17, 2019
Lynn, Kim and I are so sorry
about your Father's passing.
We are praying with you and your family at this time. May the lord grant you peace and comfort.
Kim and David Deitch
October 17, 2019
To the Norfolk Family: I worked at Taylor Porter and have many fond memories of your Dad. He was an amazing man. You are in my prayers. Cindy Hughes
Cindy Hughes
October 17, 2019
Bill not only mentored younger attorneys, he also mentored the human resources folks with whom he worked. I've been very proud to say that he taught me nearly everything I know about employment and labor law, and I'm very glad I had a chance to visit with him earlier this summer after several years of retirement. During the 20 years that Bill served as our labor attorney, he spoke fondly of his families, at home and at the law firm. My prayers are with all who will miss him.
Belynda Gauthier
October 16, 2019
I am so very sorry to hear of Uncle Billy's passing. I just heard about it today. I am praying for all of you. God Bless.
Shirley
Shirley Norfolk Guidry
October 16, 2019
So very sorry to learn of Bill's passing. He was our employee relation at LSU with me. He will be greatly missed.
Evans Roberts
October 16, 2019
So sorry to hear about Uncle Billy. He was a kind man. He and Veda were always nice to me. RIP Uncle Billy.
patricia norfolk
October 16, 2019
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Oct
18
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Rabenhorst Funeral Home & Crematory - Downtown825 Government Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Oct
19
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Rabenhorst Funeral Home & Crematory - Downtown825 Government Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Oct
19
11:00 a.m.
Rabenhorst Funeral Home & Crematory - Downtown825 Government Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
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Rabenhorst Funeral Home & Crematory - Downtown825 Government Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
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